Hospital radio volunteer wins national award

15:00 16/04/2012

A volunteer from a local hospital radio station has won a prestigious national award while his colleague was also shortlisted at the same event.

Two radio presenters at Coventry Hospital Radio based at University Hospital in Coventry have been shortlisted in three categories in the National Hospital Radio Award 2012. Neil Wilkes, who presents his show on Saturday mornings, went on to scoop the silver award for Best Newcomer having only started presenting at the radio station in February 2011.

The nominees attended a glittering award ceremony which was held as part of the Hospital Broadcasting Association (HBA) Annual Conference at The Park Inn in Northampton with the winners announced at the Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony.

Tara Court who is also a medical secretary at the hospital was also nominated for Female Presenter of the Year category and the radio station was shortlisted for Best Special Event for The 48 Hour Show Live. Neil presented the non-stop 48 hour radio show, which raised money for the UHCW Charity, being equally split between the Children’s Ward and Coventry Hospital Radio fund.

Neil Wilkes said: “To be shortlisted by other broadcasting colleagues is fantastic but to win is amazing. I didn’t think I would be in with a chance as I have only been with the station for such a short while and to receive praise not only as a newcomer but for the 48 hour show is really special and a great way to start the radio stations 40 year anniversary."

Tara Court, who has been working for the radio for two years said: “I was shocked to find out I had been shortlisted for the award but it is a real honour to be even considered. For me, I am just trying to bring a little cheer into people’s lives while they are in hospital and for this work to be acknowledged by the Hospital Broadcasting Association is fantastic.”

Tara presents her radio show every Thursday evening from the hospital where she plays all kind of music from war-time era right up until today as well as covering current affairs.

Kristine Horne, Volunteers Manager said: ” I am delighted to see the hard work of the hospital radio presenters acknowledged on a national stage. There is no doubt, that they bring a service that is valued by patients and staff alike.”

Coventry Hospital radio is an award-winning hospital radio station and has been broadcasting since 1972. It is run by volunteers to provide patient visiting and broadcasting entertainment at University Hospital in Coventry. The station broadcasts 24 hours a day 7 days a week and is available for free through the patient’s bedside entertainment unit.

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